Choose alternative fuel manufacturers from one of the Big Three

Good news: the government considers any vehicle that runs on 85% ethanol (E85) or compressed or liquefied natural gas to be an alternative fuel vehicle. By that definition, your LPG hi-lo running the stock room may be an alternative fuel vehicle. These fuels are already part of the energy infrastructure in the US, and easier to work into your current maintenance budget.

I recommend: General Motors heavily promotes its flex fuel vehicle fleet in national broadcast advertising. While Ford also produces vehicles that run on E85, they have put their promotion effort behind hybrid vehicles.

Obtain small transport vehicles from electric vehicle manufacturers

While electric vehicles may have a shorter range and no real refueling infrastructure to support long over-the-road routes, you can still benefit by using them for short trips or internal transport like plant-to-plant or inside warehouses.

I recommend: Cushman Textron offers personnel carriers and heavy-duty industrial materials carriers. Taylor-Dunn produces a range of electric personnel carriers and industrial tow vehicles, from shuttles to stock chasers.

Retrofit some vehicles using alternative fuel conversion kits

For even greater flexibility in fuel sources, as well as cleaner emissions, convert a gas or even diesel engine to run on liquid natural gas or propane.

I recommend: Omnitek Engineering produces conversion kits and even converted engines. Welsh Technologies offers an add-on dual fuel system that allows gasoline or diesel vehicles to include liquid natural gas, propane, even hydrogen into the combustion cycle, improving efficiency and extending the life of the engine.